BlackRock Center for the Arts proudly presents a two-day film series, Say It Loud, based on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on January 13 and 14, 2023. This event is sure to ignite anger, sorrow, disappointment, and triumph and will culminate with a special concert by Mousey Thompson and The James Brown Experience, January 14, 2023 at 8:00 P.M., honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. with the music of James Brown, often hailed as the musical voice of the Civil Rights Movement. All films are free and open to the public. For tickets and information, visit our website or call 301-528-2260.

In partnership with the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, BlackRock Center for the Arts presents the Certain Party or Parties Unknown documentary, bringing the topic of lynching close to home as we examine the role Montgomery County residents played in the 1880s.

In honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. BlackRock will take a deeper dive into the possible and actual events that preceded and followed the assassination of Martin Luther King with viewings of One Night In Miami, MLK/FBI, and The Night James Brown Saved Boston. 

The capstone of Say It Loud is globally respected, Robert “Mousey” Thompson is best known for his work as a drummer for the original master showman and the late “Godfather of Soul” James Brown. With James Brown’s Soul Generals, Thompson has circled the globe countless times, performing for millions upon millions of die-hard fans.

SAY IT LOUD SCHEDULE: 

One Night in Miami | January 13, 2023 at 7:30 P.M.
Certain Party or Parties Unknown | January 14, 2023 at 12:30 P.M.
MLK/FBI | January 14, 2023 at 2:00 P.M.
The Night James Brown Saved Boston | January 14, 2023 at 3:50 P.M.
Mousey Thompson and the James Brown Experience | January 14, 2023 at 8:00 P.M.

Says Katie Hecklinger, CEO of BlackRock, “BlackRock celebrates the life and legacy of one of the greatest civil rights leaders in history, whose message of equality, justice, and love continues to inspire and guide us. We believe that the performing arts have the power to bring people together and to promote understanding and compassion among all members of our community. As we reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the past and present, we are reminded of the importance of using our platform to advocate for justice and to speak out against discrimination and inequality.
“On this day, we recommit ourselves to being an inclusive and welcoming space for all, and to using the arts as a means of fostering dialogue and building bridges between diverse communities.

“We hope that you will join us in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by working towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.”

Say It Loud will be held at BlackRock Center for the Arts, January 13 and 14, 2023. For more information, to RSVP to a film, or to get tickets to Mousey Thompson and the James Brown Experience visit blackrockcenter.org or call 301-528-2260.